Getting High

I miss smoking marijuana. Is it really so terrible?

I became observant around five years ago and have never looked back. But there is one thing I really miss – and that is smoking the occasional joint and getting high. Does the Torah really prohibit marijuana? Why should it be any different than alcohol which many observant Jews partake in – and some even overindulge.

Rebbetzin Feige RESPONDS

Dear Reader,

Congratulations on your successful five-year journey. It is a remarkable achievement. Five years marks a major turning point in sustainable health, both in the physical and spiritual realm. Be advised though, my dear reader, that Jewish sources caution us that it is just at the time when we settle into a newfound level of spirituality that we must be especially vigilant about becoming complacent. It is at this point, we are taught, that the yetzer hara, the lower part of ourselves, goes into overdrive to truly challenge our resolve.

In your case, you have demonstrated the ability to disabuse yourself of substance dependencies. The little voice in your head is now introducing doubt as to whether it is really necessary to toe so strict a line. If no sanctions are enforced against excessive alcohol intake, then why not the occasional joint? Whether this would constitute a major or a minor departure from your abstinence of five years, be assured that, nonetheless, your craving comes from the lesser, not the better part of yourself.

The residual effect of marijuana stays in the brain for three weeks.

I consulted experts in the field – my brother-in-law, Dr. Abraham Twerski, a foremost authority of substance abuse treatment, and Mr. Alex Goldman, a local, very able drug counselor. They advised me that dependency on alcohol and its extensive use constitutes an addiction in the same category as drugs, gambling, food and sex. Neither pot nor alcohol use is a good idea, irrespective of its legality. In certain instances, the Torah recognizes the legitimate – and controlled – intake of alcohol. The difference, however, is that while alcohol stays in the body for two hours, the residual effect of marijuana stays in the brain for three weeks. Additionally, there is a state of lethargy that commonly follows recreational use of drugs.

Recreational drugs induce a "high," a state of altered reality, a euphoria. Unquestionably, this is one of its major attractions, as the reader clearly states. Especially for those who have been there and done that, it is overwhelmingly luring and enticing. Nonetheless, from a Torah perspective, while a heightened state of exultation is desirable, it must only be achieved through hard work, discipline, perseverance and personal growth – not through a quick artificial fix.

Those in Jewish history who were granted, rather than toiled for, an exalted spiritual experience, were not able to sustain it. There is no substitute in human spirituality for sweat and toil, confronting adversaries and triumphing, being kicked down and rising again, and not taking "no" for an answer. Those who have availed themselves of quick fixes indeed report altered perceptions of reality – some even positive in nature – but invariably they painfully discover that the cost is too great.

Contravene the Craving

In your case, dear reader, you have come such a long way that it would be a shame for you to risk backsliding. The possibility of a relapse, I am told, is very real. Impulse control is weakened and as you probably know, with each use, there is increased tolerance demanding more and more to get satisfaction. Moreover, it occupies and robs one of time, the most precious commodity that we possess.

All this without even touching the monumental issue of psychological dependence.

The Torah promotes the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the individual. Hence, for all the reasons stated above, Torah authorities insist that the use of recreational drugs represents a serious departure from God's will.

Dr. Twerski suggested that when you feel a growing urge to indulge, that you seek out an AA support group. Classes in Jewish spiritual thought in context of growth-oriented people will also be invaluable.

Be assured that all of us have our "Achilles heel," our personal and individual vulnerabilities and fragilities. Being aware of our weaknesses and knowing the face of the enemy – as obviously you do – is already half the battle. Find substitutes, a consistent learning program, a good exercise class… whatever will fill the void and contravene the craving to surrender.

Kosher Counterpart

I am reminded of a story related by Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg, of blessed memory. He told of a young man who interrupted the rabbi's class with a frenzied sense of urgency. The young man said that he had just learned that for every non-kosher species, there is a kosher counterpart.

If we channel the energy appropriately, we can conquer our inner world.

"What," he blurted out with eyes bulging, "is the kosher counterpart to shrimp? Before I became observant, shrimp was my favorite dish. I'm dying to taste it again!"

There is another Jewish concept that correlates with this one. We are advised that the passion, power and intensity that we may have once invested in pursuit of inappropriate behavior, is equally available for our pursuit of beneficial action. The dynamic is still there and if we choose to channel the energy appropriately, we can conquer our inner world.

In other words, our past behavior was indicative of a searching and a seeking, albeit misguided in its form. It bespoke a desire to be alive with excitement; it was life throbbing tissue pulsating within us. What we do with that energy is our choice. And what we choose will define us.

Find your kosher substitute, and may God bless you with success.

Addendum:

As articulated by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe Y.D. 3:35), marijuana use is forbidden for many reasons:

1) It harms the mind and body. This is a violation of "Ushmartem et nafsho'taichem" – the Torah commandment to guard one's health (Deut. 4:15). Even if marijuana does not harm the bodies of certain individuals, it certainly impairs them mentally and leads to faulty understanding, and laziness in Torah and mitzvahs.

2) Smoking marijuana creates a great craving to eat food, even when one isn't hungry. This may lead one to gluttony, which the Torah warns against in the case of the rebellious child. (Deut. 21:18)

3) Smoking marijuana creates other cravings, and to relax one's moral guard, which breaks the commandment of "Don't go after your hearts and eyes," the injunction to keep our physical drives in check.

4) Depending on the situation, one who smokes marijuana may be breaking the commandment to honor your parents. (Exodus 20:12 and Deut. 5:16)

5) Smoking marijuana is in violation of the commandment "Be holy," according to the interpretation of Nachmanides. (Leviticus 19:1)

6) In most locations, smoking marijuana would go against the Torah in that Jewish law enjoins us to obey the laws of the country in which we find ourselves.

Related Articles:

About the Author

Rebbetzin Feige Twerski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has devoted her life to Jewish education and Outreach, giving lectures worldwide on a myriad of Judaic subjects. She is a mother of 11 children, and many grandchildren whose number she refuses to divulge. She serves as the Rebbetzin along side her husband, Rabbi Michel Twerski, of Congregation Beth Jehudah of Milwaukee.

Visitor Comments: 44

(35)
Anonymous,
October 2, 2014 10:25 AM

Lo Toseef

In many cases, giving people additional restrictions beyond strict halachic requirements pushes them away from Judaism. That is one of the reasons why heterim are often given to Baalei Teshuva so they can eat at their parent's houses etc. Marijuana is a nuanced debate with perspectives on both sides of the halacha. Presenting only one side of that argument due to a worry of backsliding ignores the very real potential of the writer ultimately deciding to pack it all in if he couldn't smoke.R' Arkush writes in his Garden of Peace, about a man who decided to become religious and was advised by his Rabannim to divorce his wife who would not become religious. R' Arkush used words of acceptance and love and eventually the family became religious.

If the user has parental permission, lives somewhere (Colorado, Amsterdam, etc) then it seems there would be little problem... If for medical use, no problem. In other cases it gets a bit murky.

Let's not be myopic, especially in Kiruv. Let's encourage honesty and T'ze Ulemad!!

(34)
Emuna,
May 2, 2014 8:59 PM

This topic is so tough for Moms. If you decide to get high please please do not speak about it around any kids or teens.It is a choice that is personal. And it is illegal. And some people find it to be disgusting. I respect my friends who hate marijuana. I also understand those like mywself who never wanted to try it. I'm not into the illegal stuff in this world. And I don't want to hurt my body. My niece is very addicted and is ruining her life. She has been getting bad grades since this habit of hers. She cannot get into any college anywhere. So please don't discuss pot around kids and teens. There are so many who cannot handle weed/pot. Thanks! .

(33)
Anonymous,
April 10, 2013 12:26 PM

Pot smoking

this is the best article against pot use i've ever read. our bodies belong to G-d not> to ourselves.

(32)
JohnLakas,
April 10, 2013 11:39 AM

Smoking pot

I have been where you are now. Do not waste the money. You will not get a "High" like you use to. When G-d delivers he does it in whole. Give the money you would have dropped as a wave offering. No you wont feel a thing but have bad breath. Shalom

(31)
Simcha Arona,
April 9, 2013 3:00 PM

Dear Rebbetzin Feige,That was the most sensitive article I have ever read against smoking pot.

(30)
Anonymous,
April 8, 2013 10:00 AM

Spiritual aspect of getting "high'

Wanted to confirm from personal experience that for myself and many others, use of Cannabis pre Tshuva was a spiritual experience which seemed to enhance a sense of connection to one's Soul. However, as mentioned above, that which is easily attained is easily lost. And nothing can replace Spiritual sensitivity acheived through gradual and balanced growth.

(29)
Nina Mori,
April 5, 2013 2:37 PM

Different hearts, different depth levels of our individual paths with G-d//Same G-d, same laws

A lot of great commentary. Rebbetzin Feige, your response was more than insightful. Its quite real that our yetzer hara tempts us bolder yet sneakier, in sheer moments of our complacency. I do not smoke, though my strict abstinence is due to my job. Over the last decade, my relationship with HaShem has grown deep and I have cultivated a deep, multidimensional spiritual awareness. It is the most vital component of me, my internal aquifer, and HaShem is the spring. I occasionally contemplate 'what if i did (smoke)' someday, after leaving this career field... I am a nature-junkie-- the Earth, the plants, the animals, the water...all gifts from the creator for our sustainment and enjoyment. Even after the fall of man, we found healing in plans, nutrients in the bodies of animals never originally intended for us to kill/eat. Some plants are naturally toxic, though, and should not be consumed. Thus, not all things of completely organic origin should be consumed nor are they beneficial. Sometime ago, I saw three photographs, each of a spider's woven web; spider 1 was sober, spider 2 was given caffeine, spider 3 was given THC. Spider 1's web was perfect, spider 2 and 3, however, wove unbalanced webs full of holes, inconsistent in their design, which looked as though stones or twigs had been thrown through them. I want to produce my best, always. I aspire to become the great woman who HaShem intended. Does MJ really have a place here? In my path? And if the answer is a definitive 'NO', does it then have a place in any one's path? OR, is it like most pleasures that become our blight in excess; if experienced in moderation with great care, these pleasures carry no detriment. Lastly, while on this topic, I must say that alcohol is significantly more problematic (than MJ.) Alcohol, particularly its ab/use in the USA, is appalling. Most intelligent and logical people should agree.

(28)
Abe,
April 4, 2013 6:01 PM

True but...

A beautiful article and teaching but I don't believe the subject question or concern was given any clear directive. Yes, excessive behaviors in alcohol, drugs, eating, and sex are unhealthy and possibly highly addictive. Any addict should stay far away from the substance of his or her addiction and that's purely because of his mental and physical weakness. There is absolutely nothing wrong with alcohol, eating, and sex if done right at healthy consumption levels. No one will argue that having a glass of wine to relax or to enhance a Shabbos meal is wrong and I don't believe an "occasional" stog is any different. The main question one should be asking is why do we want to smoke or etc. and whether it is having a negative effect on a spiritual, physical, or emotional level. As in all the commandments, there is the action and them there is the more vital aspect- emotional involvement. We must be conscious Jews which run out lives not out of habitual but rather constant connection and reason. Since we do live in a society where weed is illegal I am not expecting anyone especially a Torah authority to say in public that it is okay to have marijuana since it can be taken out of context and leave the authority singled out as "controversial". If marijuana would become legal the moral questions that surround would break down. I don't know if it's true but I heard that one of the incense used in the holy temple was a known "herb" or as we call it a "drug".
I am in no way suggesting we all start smoking pot and not advocating its a "good" thing. Do you disagree?

(27)
Anonymous,
April 4, 2013 5:06 PM

too many incorrect points with the answer

I'm a medical marijuana user, and da'ati too. For years I use the same amount of med. marijuana and no more. G-d gave the plants to us to use it in the right way, but everything /i mean everything can be abused, used in the wrong way, even water, food. you name it

Steve Skeete,
April 5, 2013 6:04 PM

Medicine is for the sick

Anonymous says he/she uses med. marijuana. My question is, is this because you are not well? You say it is provided in 'the same amount'. Does that mean it is presrcibed by a medical doctor? If so, then this must only be until your illness is cured. No one continues to take medication after their illness is gone. So, if you are using one (or more) of the over 200 chemicals in marijuana, as prescribed by a doctor and for a medicinal purpose, then you should continue to do so until your illness is cured or your medication is changed. Then, stop using marijuana.

(26)
Ricardo T,
April 4, 2013 1:57 PM

Thou shalt have no elohim acherim in My presence.

I remember those days when I had to struggle with my tobacco-smoking habit. It was terrible. The only thing that really helped me to cut this was this commandment in the Torah: "Thou shalt have no elohim acherim in My presence". when a vice seizes one, it enslaves him. When the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning is that first puff of smoke, instead of thanking the Creator for that new day, you realize that this is a god to you. So, it is certainly better to cast them aside. These gods only lead to death. G-d, however, always leads to life

(25)
Steven Schwartz,
April 4, 2013 12:37 PM

Medical Marajuana

Although I know that you were addressing the 'recreational' use of marajuana, I was wondering where you would stand on the use of medical marajuana. Certain strains have strong effects on pain, including migraines and arthritis and there is even research going on that show the canniminoids in many strains fo marajuana can fight cancer cell growth. I have known people who do not like getting 'high' but benefited from the effects of reduced pain.Would this alsi require finding an alternative, even when you consider that many of the drugs that would replace it are more dangerous and addictive.

(24)
Richard Y,
April 4, 2013 6:18 AM

WOW!

That was an amazing teaching! I am a recovering drug addict and for any and all adictions, that truly, truly makes sense.

(23)
Anonymous,
April 4, 2013 5:42 AM

Huh?

The person asking the question states he only has an "occasional" desire to indulge - - it seems excessive to me that his urge should encourage him to seek out a 12-step program; nor did the mention of the eye-bulging person who desired a shrimp replacement with frenzied urgency seem like a fair comparison. (And btw I personally have never in my life tried or used marijuana, nor am I advocating its use. ) When I look around at all the overweight people who "attack" a kiddush spread with gusto, I am much more concerned, and according to the Rebbetzin's parameters, perhaps 99 percent of the people at shul should be in a 12-step program such as Overeaters Anonymous!

Bella,
April 4, 2013 11:40 AM

I agree with you 100 per cent!

Your answer was terrific! I don't use marijuana either but I personally know Orthodox Jews who are in the legal business of selling it as their livelihood. The obesity & poor health habits in our Tribe really irk me too. Obese rabbis abound. They need to set an example.

(22)
Loren N,
April 4, 2013 5:39 AM

Clean and Serene

I have been clean and sober for over 23 years. Marijuana was my drug of choice. It kept me from having real relationships with myself, other people, and Hashem. Its hard to know who you are or let others know you when your only feelings are buzzed and burnt. I grew up pretty much secular although we celebrated the major holidays. I married a woman who grew up in an orthodox community and I became more observant. I consider myself conservadox. We belong and attend an orhodox shul but we are not really too frum. I am more spiritual than religious. I only bring this up because addiciton is a spiritual disease with a spiritual cure. It was only until I became honest with myself and turned my life over to Hashem that I was able to stop smoking pot habitually. Before I stopped using I had a great career was recently married and from the outside everything looked great. Inside I was spiritually and emotionally bankrupt. I was living the fantasy of functionality. Today, by the grace of Hashem my life is better and more full then I can ever imagine. I have a spiritual connection with Hashem and meaningful relationships. Living in an orthodox community drug addiction is not spoken about. However, I know there are probably some that are suffering who are afraid or ashamed to come forward and get the help they need. Addiction is not prejudice it goes after religious people, secular people, poor people, rich people, people of all races and cultures.. There is hope and the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is unparalleled. I personally would be willing to help another man (and point women to other women) who needs help. If someone wants to reach out too me, I’d be happy to help. I'm not sure how they would get my contact info. I'm not comfortable leaving it as a comment to this article. Maybe the Rabbitzin or someone she mentioned in her article can get my e-mail from the editor and contact me. Also, Marijuana Anonymous exists for pot heads Marijuana-Anonymous.org

(21)
Rebecca C.,
April 4, 2013 4:40 AM

It's not only about health effects

One thing commonly missing from the discussion of why drugs are contrary to God's will for us, and perhaps the most important reason, is the effect it has on our soul. It's not just about the body/physical health/etc. God made us in his own image, with an intellect and a free will. With this comes great power - we can do so much, and indeed he expects us to do much to make this world a better place. With it also comes corresponding great responsibility. We do not have the right to put Gods' image on hold and lose our faculties, even temporarily, for the sake of a high. The same holds for drinking alcohol in excess. Feeling good is not sinful in itself, but as the author said, there are legitimate routes to good feeling and other routes that go against God's will. If the price we pay to feel good is to lose (even temporarily) our faculties of right judgement essential to making good choices in harmony with Gods' will for us, then we have rejected God's image in ourselves and we have opened it up to be used for evil, since we don't have good judgment or full control over our actions while we're drunk or high. We're taking something that is made in God's image, and debasing it to the level of animals, and even lower than animals, because we have greater capacity to harm others and ourselves.

(20)
Mark Cohen,
April 4, 2013 4:29 AM

Question not answered

With all due respect, the question was not answered. Clearly, drinking wine is contemplated in the Torah. It is beyond dispute that wine alters your state of mind. Marijuana does as well. Alcohol poses far greater danger to indication than marijuana. I simply did not read a direct answer to the question.

(19)
reva van leeuwen,
April 4, 2013 3:46 AM

NA is the most appropriate 12 -Step support group for those addicted to drugs.

(18)
Anonymous,
April 4, 2013 3:03 AM

please don't justify alcohol abuse

I have been reading Rebbetzin Twersky's writings for many years, but this is the first time I disagree. The only thing that seems to be more rampant than alcohol abuse in our community is the denial of same. From what I understand, alcohol is at least, if not more, toxic to the body than marijuana. The only halachic explanation I can think of for the "lchaim" instead of the communal toke is that you cannot smoke on Shabbos.

(17)
Michael Wollman,
April 4, 2013 2:01 AM

Article is Rubbish!

I agree with (1) Anonymous but much more emphatically. Everything you said about marihuana applies to alcohol in a much more extreme way. How many people die directly from alcohol use each year? How many lives, families, careers, and health are ruined by alcohol use. I.m not even considering the cost to society. Now, answer the same questions for marihuana use. The numbers are a minuscule fraction compared those to alcohol. I am not defending marihuana use. I neither consume it nor do I drink alcohol. The article is a flimsy excuse for alcohol use, clothed in a false interpretation of scripture.

(16)
ellen,
April 4, 2013 1:53 AM

I must, respectfully, refute your position

Your brother in law deals only with people who have an addiction problem. His perspective, in that case, is probably skewed. I don't smoke cigarettes, I don't drink alcohol (I even find wine at the holidays during a meal distasteful), but I occasionally take a puff or two of mild marijuana. I lead a good life, where I'm able to help people, eat a clean diet, exercise regularly and am far from lethargic. I find marijuana is relaxing and I often do art when I've indulged. I wish it didn't retain the ridiculous prejudices brought on by the overindulgence of some.

(15)
Anonymous,
April 4, 2013 12:39 AM

It's a myth that smoking marijuana is safe!

I see that people are making comments justifying or defending the use of marijuana.

I appreciate that you shared your comments! However, I think that you are missing the primary point of this article. The key issue is whether artificial immediate pleasures, (such as using a recreational substance), interfere with the spiritual growth and satisfaction achieved through pursuing real, (not chemical), pleasures?

Smoking marijuana is not as benign as most people believe. Sadly, the pro-marijuana voice is very loud and spreads a lot of misinformation. When a person smokes marijuana they inhale deeply and hold their breath. Inhaling any burning organic material is harmful in much the same way that smoking cigarettes is harmful. As someone who works in the mental health & substance abuse treatment field; I can assure you that smoking marijuana increases one's risk for developing mental health issues and physical health issues. I have seen multiple clients who have even had psychotic breaks related to their substance use.

(14)
Anonymous,
April 4, 2013 12:19 AM

Marijuana helps with side effects, wasting, pain..

It does not cure cancer..but by making a suffering patient comfortable, by helping their apetite so they can avoid wasting away, by easing nausea, etc. It certainly can help. Why would you take the side of not allowing it. If you had cancer and this helped you feel better..you would want it..Believe me, alcohol is worse for you and makes you more dangerous to others..so lets not use religion to knock marijuana..nowhere is it forbidden..Observant people smoke, drink and some even do drugs..but in the case of cancer..marijuana serves a purpose..

(13)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2013 5:59 PM

Anonymous and Rebbetzin both right

It's taking me a lot to compose this. The rebbetzin is right about it being in your ""system" for up to three weeks, and properly deals with the concepts of being lifted up by a spiritual power, not a drug-induced one. Anonymous has several points worth considering. Jews smoke and drink. Yet the effects of those chemicals are more toxic than the host of chemicals in marijuana. In fact, even the US military teaches its medics that not one death has ever been attributed solely to smoking marijuana nor from a marijuana overdose, because it's not medically possible (except as the buildup of a foreign substance, making it less likely than a water overdose). The true problem with getting high, long term, are memory issues. Memory is slower. In those that are otherwise healthy, this is possibly the worst kind of offense, because our lives as Jews per se depend on adherence to words. In those for whom such slight memory delay is acceptable in order for a person to see (glaucoma), recover from chemotherapy or treat AIDS wasting, the relief and palliative care should take precedence, for it extends life itself, the greatest mitzvah. In short term use, no such harm remains, and the greatest casualty is a quart of chicken lo mein. Unless you're responsible for the care of others. In such cases it's either as good or bad as some stiff shots of Slivovitz, and our law should treat it as such. And, frankly, it'd be more effective in dulling the difference between Mordechai and Haman than the Manischewitz.. and with no hangover...

(12)
Pinchas,
April 3, 2013 4:47 PM

Not bad, for an FFB!

As a former musician who smoked rather a lot of pot, you've got it mostly right. When I became an orchestra manager, I learned that pot does, indeed, stay in the system for at least several days to a week. What you didn't mention - or are not aware of - is that, during this period people are prone to paranoid thinking and misunderstandings; i.e., In my orchestras, otherwise delightful people and close friends would take offense with me, with each other or the the conductors. The situation was inimical to any civilized collaboration. Later, as a businessman and manufacturer, I discovered that the employees who I knew were smoking at home were both extremely accident-prone and argumentative. I'm now a grandfather and baal t'shuva of more than 25 years and pot has been banned from my life, my family and my business since that time.

(11)
Ralph,
April 3, 2013 4:34 PM

I used to use it too,...

I used marijuana on and off for many years starting when I was 15 years old.This is also the same time I became very spiritually aware, and realized that there is indeed a Creator Who should be loved as He loves us and obeyed. Still I struggled with smoking pot on and off over the years, finally deciding it is detrimental to our mental, physical, and spiritual health. I remember more often than not, feeling very paranoid and depressed after smoking it, so it is definitely against the Divine Will. The just should live in faith, NOT fear. Also the fact that the drug traffic in this world is pure evil, people murder each other and sometimes innocent bystanders over the money that is involved in drug trafficking. One of the reasons I felt so bad at times after smoking it. Young kids suffer the most from the evils of drugs, either because of the actions of their parents who use drugs, or their own use of drugs like marijuana. I started at age 15 far too young an age to be altering my consciousness, and kids nowadays start even younger ages! I think from my own personal experience that it did in fact hamper my development as a person, even if I had started when I was 21 years old. Marijuana always prevented me from accomplishing any of the grand ideas or inspirations I might have thought of while I was high,(I am an accomplished visual artist) as it can be very debilitating making users unable to concentrate and lethargic. Not the kind of state to be in at any age, let alone kids who's minds are still developing.The Bible warns us to be sober, and to seek our joy from The Almighty, not by artificial means such as drugs. If we truly know Him, we have no need for drugs.

(10)
J.P. Betz,
April 3, 2013 4:06 PM

Educate

Marijuana or Tetrahy Drocannabinol, causes schizophreniai, depression and bipolar disorder with prolonged use. And yes alchol also causes dangerous side effects. Thats why Torah says be not drunk with wine. Its all very simple. Find your enjoyment in life not in what makes you feel good.

(9)
Miriam,
April 3, 2013 3:55 PM

Anonymous 1 - check out your facts

The dsm4 is replete with illnesses caused due to marijuana, as well as cigarettes and alcohol. There are now diffinative studies cloncluding that using pot between the ages of 14-24 significantly increases probability of mental illness. Alcohol can do the same, but in society we are more aware of controlling drinking (we'd hope). All drugs have a purpose, but not to all people!

(8)
Tuvya,
April 3, 2013 3:27 PM

The rebbetzin is wrong on this one

I'm sorry but alcohol has destroyed at least as many lives as weed has. If regular alcohol consumption is REQUIRED by Jewish law and a morning shnaps is consumed at many morning minions, then clearly the religion understands that moderation is the key.

Weed is no different than alcohol. It can be used socially, like that glass of wine or your alcohol of chice, or it can be abused.

I'm surprised that his brother didn't mention that alcohol is a depresent. As such it can lead to serious misconduct (such as spousal abuse and violence in general), this is not true of weed (which has an odd effect that the medical community has a hard to pigeon holing)

His brother should also have informed him that trace amounts of drugs in the bloodstream don't necessarily have impacts on the body. There are tolerances for many things in our bodies.

And we all know that drunks waste just as much time as stoners doing nothing. Substance abuse is substance abuse. It's the abuse that is wrong, not the substance.

To suggest it is backsliding to do something that is in no way prohibitted by Torah just demonstrates his lack of understanding of what drugs (including alcohol) are and how they work.

(7)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2013 3:27 PM

The Rebbetzin is right

Marijuana is not safer than alcohol or tobacco, that is a fallacy. The fact is that marijuana is a gateway drug. Those willing to smoke marijuana, especially kids and teens, often rationalize going to harder drugs. It starts with people saying that it is a natural compound, an herb, that has medicinal purposes. The same argument could then be used for hallucinogenic mushrooms. They are a natural compound that have been used by native peoples for centuries. Then we can say the same for peyote, opium, and heroin. When you think about it, even cocaine is just a compound extracted from the naturally wild coca plant...and so on. Where does it stop? People do not drink a cup of Manischewitz to get intoxicated. People do not smoke cigarettes to alter their mental state. Sure, there are people that have addictions to alcohol and tobacco, but these products are controlled in our society and the fact that they are commonly accepted actually cuts down the "fruit of the poisonous tree" factor. They aren't as exciting. The attraction to illegal drugs is the effect that they have on our behavior, mood and mental state. The Torah teaches us that we must guard against anything to excess, and marijuana is a drug that alters our brain functioning, behavior and mood- to excess. It is excess stimulation. The result of this excess is that we need more of it to stimulate ourselves to excess. The more you feed the body, of anything, the more it wants. This becomes a vicious cycle of the yeizter hara. Once you justify it once, why not twice? Why not with your kids? Why not every day? It is a slippery slope that is better left alone.

(6)
Ofer Maimon,
April 3, 2013 3:24 PM

Marijuana is complicated stuff

While it is true that marijuana often have a calming effect on users, as opposed to alcohol, it contains conflicting active substances, including an anxiety provoking one. This means that a lot of people will react extremely negatively to marijuana, with brutal anxiety attacks and nausea. Prolonged use of marijuana also almost invariably produces gloom in the user.

(5)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2013 3:21 PM

I disagree too - but for other reasons

Marijuana is used to help patients with chronic pain. The kind of extreme and chronic pain that doesn't allow someone to rest at night. Lack of sleep is more harmful than a little bit of marijuana - much better than getting hooked on oxycodeine or sleeping pills. Very high doses of prescription drugs are more lethal and harmful to a patient than eating marijuana or smoking it. If the US govt didn't have it classified as worse than cocaine! there would be a lot of research already into the benefits of marijuana (without the THC that makes you high). A Jewish PhD influenced Israel to use it for patients with chronic pain, cancer pain and trauma. The Health Ministry regulates who is allowed a "license" to buy it. The abuse is in not having any control over handling anything - whether it's alcohol, marijuana or prescription drugs. That said, marijuana IS dangerous to teens up to their mid 20's, I think, due to the developing brain. And, it takes the motivation out of you. However people with severe pain who must use something - prefer not to have the "high" associated with marijuana - but it's safer than prescription drugs. So before we wholesale say it's dangerous - lets look at the benefits and push for the govt to do research on its benefits - one is helping severe epilepsy and Parkinsons. And it has been shown to shrink cancer tumors in mice.

Spent the better part of the last 30 years getting "high" for various reasons; depression, boredom, vacuuming, nothing good on tv, feeling good, feeling bad, whatever. In the end I got tired of it. It wasn't helping anything, it was just eating up time. I don't miss the high but I sure do miss the habit; getting out the kit, the paper...you know what I mean.

But I definitely don't miss the high.

(3)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2013 12:49 PM

Mary Jane

I too have had a on going struggle with marijuana in my life. Marijuana is known to have a reverse tolerance meaning it doesn't take more of it, each time to get a high. I find that I like it when I'm doing mundane things like everyday chores but I find it also very addictive once you start. It is something I wouldn't want my kids to do, so the guilt I feel when I smoke is definitely not worth the high. This cure for cancer is not curing you when you smoke it either. There is a chemical in the marijuana but you couldn't smoke enough of it to ever get the benefits from it. In fact smoking one joint is like smoking 20 cigarettes. I agree with the article about replacing this bad habit with a good habit. One day at a time.

(2)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2013 2:59 AM

I forgot to mention:

Marijuana is even being prescribed to cancer patients as a treatment to ease their nausea and pain symptoms. It has a lot of medicinal purposes that just happen to be a side effect of it's usage. I don't think alcohol or cigarettes have even half of the benefits marijuana has even in recreational use.

Anonymous,
April 3, 2013 3:37 PM

Opioids

Morphin also is used on medical disease, but that does not mean we can use morphin on our daiy lifes.

(1)
Anonymous,
April 3, 2013 2:56 AM

I disagree

I understand what the rebbetzin is saying but I can't help but respectfully disagree. Alcohol is freely used constantly in Jewish life, yet despite the amount of time alcohol is in our bodies the effects are much more dangerous than marijuana. Alcohol can lead to addictions, it can cause changes in personality making a normally happy person seem angry or even violent depending on the amount embibed, it can lead to alcohol poisoning or even death, and that's just relatively short term effects. The worst marijuana can do short term is make you lazy, laugh too much and eat all the food in your fridge until you fall asleep. Long term i'm sure there are worse effects like memory loss, slow paced thinking, maybe even some tar in the lungs but it's much much less dangerous than cigarettes and those are even allowed. I'm sorry for my dispute but I really disagree. I'm in no position to suggest anything to anyone but if this person is deciding between drinking, smoking a cigarette or smoking a little pot i'd say the pot would be his safest choice. The only casuality would be a bag of chips in my opinion. Please tell me if i'm wrong or mislead.

Maya,
April 3, 2013 2:46 PM

alcohol and cigarettes aren't exactly encouraged

I'm not sure where you heard or saw that "alcohol is freely used constantly in Jewish life," but let me assure you that's not the norm. Drinking to excess is definitely discouraged, both in tradition and in modern communities. There's only one day a year, Purim, where being clearly drunk would be remotely socially acceptable. (Chassidim have their farbrengens, but even there people get tipsy not falling down drunk).
Cigarettes are unfortunately widespread in some communities but many rabbis say it's not permitted for someone to begin the habit of smoking and as far as I know, all say it's better to quit. People smoke because they don't listen or because quitting is really really hard, not because Jewish tradition allows it.
I doubt rebbetzin Twersky would have told the letter writer that it's OK to start smoking cigarettes, or to get drunk regularly, any more than she would say it about pot.

Ruth Zimberg,
April 3, 2013 3:18 PM

Take care of yourself - body and soul.

No, Judaism does not say it's OK to smoke cigarettes. We are obligated to take care of our bodies. Even though many otherwise observant people smoke cigarettes does not mean that they are allowed to do so. Even 'frum' people make mistakes.
Why must one choose between drinking, smoking cigarettes or smoking 'a little' pot? None of these activities are OK. As the rebbezin suggested, there are healthier and better ways to 'get high on life'. B"H, I am 61 years old. I grew up in the 60's in Canada. I have never smoked cigarettes, or pot or drunk to excess. (Yes, I have wine for Kiddush.)
Yes, marijuana is helpful for alleviating some medical conditions. That does not automatically make it OK to smoke it 'for fun'. G-d forbid you should ever need it to cure cancer, or ease the side effects or chemotherapy.
May we all be given the strength and the courage to live and fulfill our missions in life without needing unhealthy crutches to keep us going. Best wishes from Tzfat, Israel.

Cach65,
April 3, 2013 3:46 PM

maturity

If using a substance is considered illegal in that it will cause you to end up being fined and or imprisoned and it's not beneficially essential that you do it, then why bother?
Now if it were legal, and you benefited from its use and it didn't interfere with anything in your life and goals and living for the Creator then I suppose it would be okay.
The question aside from legality is a deep one involving the other nature of the self. Does it cause that part of you to exceed or impede with the person you are to become and be.

Akil Nuru,
April 3, 2013 3:49 PM

you're wrong

Your comments may be true in a secular world but his question is how would it interfere with an observant lifestyle. The reasons you give are similar to the reasons people give about eating pork and shellfish and how otherfoods are far more dangerous, however, we don't abstain from things for our physical health, we abstain for our spiritual well being. All the reasons you gave were only for physical...our lower nature. Shalom

Anonymous,
April 3, 2013 8:13 PM

I've done both & agree w Rebbetzin Twerski

In my youth I smoked a lot of marijuana. It made me really stupid; I wasn't able to think and I laughed at stupid things that weren't funny. It's more than 30 years later, and yesterday I attended Yom Tov services with my son and his family. The rush of pleasure it gave me to be in shul with them was far superior to the giggles or the munchies that it makes no sense to speak of both in the same sentence. Being connected to God and the Jewish people is transcendent because God is infinite and our people are eternal. When you're "high" your brain can't even work right and you can't think clearly. Not to minimize the perils of alcohol, either. And sometimes there's too much drinking at Kiddush, Simchat Torah, and Purim - but that's not the license to smoke grass.

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...